Naveen urges Modi to accord Special Category Status to Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the latter to accord Special Category Status to Odisha for acceleration of industrial development and more employment opportunities in the state.

“It is in this premise of historical Central neglect and frequent natural calamities that my Government has been demanding Special Category Status for Odisha which will supplement our efforts in transforming the State. Odisha is registering a growth rate higher than the nation’s growth rate. Providing Special Category Status will further accelerate industrial development and in turn more jobs for our youth. Kindly consider Odisha’s request as a unique one and support us in the fast pace, inclusive development of Odisha,” the CM wrote in the letter.

“It is a fact that Odisha remains at the bottom in the country in most Central subjects like: i. Tele density. ii. Railway network. iii. Banking network and coverage. iv. National Highways v. Air connectivity,” he mentioned.

Earlier this month, Patnaik had reiterated the demand of Special Category Status for the state before the 15th Finance Commission.